Experts from various fields have shed light on the supermarket products they deliberately avoid, highlighting growing consumer awareness around health, nutrition, and value. As shoppers become more discerning, many are reconsidering their routine purchases in favor of whole, unprocessed foods.
A large portion of supermarket shelves is dominated by ultra-processed items. These are often designed to be inexpensive to produce, have long shelf lives, and appeal strongly to the palate. However, such products typically contain chemical additives and industrially refined ingredients, including high levels of sugars and saturated fats, which can contribute to health risks.
Steve Bennett, a PCI-qualified health coach and founder of Clubwell, draws on his personal journey from obesity to health coaching to identify supermarket traps. He avoids:
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- Breakfast cereals: Despite marketing claims, many cereals are stripped of fiber and loaded with sugars, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes. Even “healthy” options like granola can contain more sugar than a doughnut.
- Fruit juices: Without fiber, juices act as sugar bombs, delivering high fructose that converts to fat in the liver. Whole fruits are a better alternative.
- Low-fat products: Removing fat often means more sugar and artificial additives, undermining natural fats vital for hormones and brain health.
- Shop-bought granola: Commercial granola is typically processed with added sugars and lacks beneficial fiber.
- Vegetable oils (such as corn, sunflower, and soybean oils): These highly processed oils are inflammatory due to their omega-6 content. Bennett recommends olive oil, coconut oil, butter, or ghee instead.
- Ready meals: Engineered to combine sugar, fat, and salt unnaturally, these meals can override natural hunger cues, encouraging overconsumption.
Bennett advises shoppers to focus on the supermarket perimeter, where fresh meats, fish, vegetables, and whole ingredients are found. His simple mantra: if your grandmother wouldn’t recognize it as food, your body shouldn’t either.
Dr. Sarah Schenker, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, points out the nutritional shortcomings of convenience items like Pot Noodles. Despite their quick preparation, they offer mostly refined carbs, minimal protein, high salt, and additives like MSG, leaving you unsatisfied and nutritionally unbalanced.
Nicole Hunn, a gluten-free culinary expert, rarely buys store-bought gluten-free products. Many such items prioritize shelf life over flavor and texture, relying on refined starches, gums, and preservatives. Homemade versions, she argues, use real ingredients and offer far better taste and quality.
From a finance perspective, shopping expert Sarah-Jane Outten advises steering clear of certain convenience products due to inflated prices:
- Pre-chopped vegetables and fruit: Up to 300% more expensive with shorter shelf life.
- Pre-grated cheese: Often costs more per kilogram and includes anti-clumping additives.
- Spices in jars: Local international stores offer better value and support small businesses.
- Bottled water: Investing in a water filter is cheaper and more environmentally friendly over time.
- Travel-size toiletries: Buying reusable bottles and refilling is more economical than premium miniatures.
Retail analyst Clay Cary highlights commonly overpriced items at supermarkets such as greeting cards, batteries, and name-brand cleaning supplies. He suggests shopping at discount retailers, buying in bulk online, or opting for generic or homemade alternatives.
Pharmacist Abbas Kanani warns against purchasing over-the-counter medicines and supplements at supermarkets due to limited selection, potentially higher prices, and lack of professional advice. He stresses caution around high-dose vitamins and health supplements, which may be unnecessary or harmful without proper guidance.
In summary, these expert insights encourage shoppers to prioritize whole foods, read labels carefully, shop thoughtfully to maximize health and value, and seek professional advice when it comes to health products.